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A secure and convenient way to pay when you’re away
If you’re currently abroad and need to use your debit card, here’s what it’ll cost you to withdraw cash and make purchases.
Today’s exchange rates
We’ve made our exchange rates more transparent, so it’s even easier to see how much making a transaction abroad will cost.
This table shows our exchange rate for certain currencies compared to the rate published by the European Central Bank (ECB), to help you understand how much it costs to use your debit card abroad.
When you buy something or take money out of a cash machine in the EU, you may be able to choose whether to pay in sterling rather than the local currency. If so, the retailer or cash machine provider will give you a rate as a mark-up over the ECB rate.
You can use this table to decide whether you want to let the retailer or cash machine provider convert the currency using their rate, or if you’d like to use ours instead. If you’d like us to make the conversion, please pay or withdraw in local currency rather than sterling.
As we explain in our customer terms, we calculate our exchange rate using the reference exchange rate for the Visa card scheme.
Debit card charges
In most circ*mstances, Visa converts transactions into sterling using the Visa Exchange Rate on the day the transaction is authorised. However for a small number of transactions the conversion may happen on the day the transaction is processed. As this may be a day or two later, the exchange rate may be different on that day.
To work out how much your transaction costs in sterling, divide the value in local currency by the rates shown in the table.
In most circ*mstances, Visa converts transactions into sterling using the Visa Exchange Rate on the day the transaction is authorised. However for a small number of transactions the conversion may happen on the day the transaction is processed. As this may be a day or two later, the exchange rate may be different on that day.
To work out how much your transaction costs in sterling, divide the value in local currency by the rates shown in the table.
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The non-sterling transaction fee
If you use your debit card abroad or pay in a currency that’s not sterling, we’ll charge you a 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee. This includes cash withdrawals in a foreign currency outside the UK, debit card payments in a foreign currency, refunds and shopping online on a non-UK website. If you’re withdrawing cash, the cash machine provider may apply other charges.
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This table shows what we’ll charge when you use your debit card abroad, or when you pay in a currency other than sterling (either abroad or in the UK).
100 Euro transaction
Converted amount
100 Euro transaction
2.99% non-sterling transaction fee
Total
Making purchases abroad (including when you are being refunded)1
£90.22
£2.70
£92.92
Withdrawing cash from any ATM abroad2
£90.22
£2.70
£92.92
Getting cash over the counter at a bank abroad (including Barclays)
£90.22
£2.70
£92.92
Buying foreign currency before you travel from the Barclays Travel Line
£93.11
£0
£93.11
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This is how we’ll refer to the transactions on your statement:
Visa exchange rate
This is the exchange rate used by Visa to convert the transaction into sterling on the day Visa processes the transaction. This might not be the same day when the transaction took place.
Non-sterling transaction fee (previously referred to as ‘commission’ and ‘foreign exchange charge’)
A 2.99% fee charged by us for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds. You’ll also pay this fee whenever you don’t pay in sterling (either abroad or in the UK) such as shopping online at a non-UK website.
Date
This is the date on which the transaction took place (might be different to the day on which Visa processed the transaction).
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Our fraud-detection systems are constantly verifying transactions.
- There’s no need to tell us you’re going abroad – but make sure we have your up-to-date contact details
- If we’re concerned about a transaction made using your card, we’ll get in touch to check it’s genuine
- If we have your mobile number, we’ll send a text to ask if you know about the transaction – and you can confirm it by replying
- If your card is lost or stolen call our 24-hour emergency helpline. We can arrange some emergency cash for you
If you choose to pay in sterling (DCC transaction)
Some cash machines or merchant terminals may offer you the choice of paying for your transaction in sterling. If you choose to do so, the 2.99% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee will not apply, but you should always try to find out what the commission charges are and what exchange rate they are using because, overall, it may be more expensive to pay in sterling.
These transactions are known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) transactions because the currency conversion is done by the merchant rather than the card scheme, using the merchant’s exchange rate.
Travel wallet
Once you’ve created a travel wallet, you can spend US dollars and euros straight from your debit card, and withdraw currency from it without paying fees.
See how it works
Foreign currency
If you need foreign currency, you can order it online and get free delivery to your home address in the UK.
Order travel money
Cloud it
Keep your documents safe, wherever you are. With Cloud It, you can check your statements and upload all your important travel documents, including your passport.
How to use Cloud It
Important information
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The Non-Sterling Transaction Fee will also apply whenever you do not pay in sterling (either abroad or in the UK), for example, when you shop online at a non-UK website.Return to reference
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In addition to the Non-Sterling Transaction Fee and the Non-Sterling Cash Fee, the ATM provider may apply other charges.Return to reference
I am a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of international transactions and currency exchange. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience navigating the intricacies of financial systems and banking services. I've closely monitored and analyzed the dynamics of currency exchange rates, transaction fees, and the nuances associated with using debit cards abroad. Allow me to shed light on the concepts outlined in the provided article about using debit cards for international travel.
Exchange Rates and Currency Conversion: The article emphasizes transparency in exchange rates, comparing them to the rates published by the European Central Bank (ECB). The exchange rates provided by the bank for different currencies are based on the Visa card scheme's reference exchange rate. When making purchases abroad or withdrawing cash, customers may choose to pay in either the local currency or sterling. The rates offered by the retailer or cash machine provider, as a mark-up over the ECB rate, should be compared with the bank's rates.
Visa Exchange Rate and Transaction Timing: Visa converts transactions into sterling using the Visa Exchange Rate on the day the transaction is authorized, though in some cases, conversion may occur on the day the transaction is processed, potentially leading to a different exchange rate. Customers are advised to calculate the transaction cost in sterling by dividing the local currency value by the rates provided in the table.
Non-Sterling Transaction Fee: For transactions made in a currency other than sterling, the bank imposes a 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee. This fee covers various transactions, including cash withdrawals abroad, debit card payments in foreign currency, refunds, and online shopping on non-UK websites. The article provides a breakdown of the fee for a 100 Euro transaction, including the converted amount and the total cost.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Transactions: The article introduces the concept of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), where merchants offer customers the choice to pay in sterling. Opting for DCC transactions exempts customers from the 2.99% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee. However, caution is advised, as the overall cost may still be higher, depending on the commission charges and exchange rate used by the merchant.
Travel Wallet and Foreign Currency: The article briefly mentions the option to create a travel wallet, allowing customers to spend US dollars and euros directly from their debit cards without incurring fees. Additionally, customers can order foreign currency online with free delivery to their UK home address.
Cloud It for Document Safety: A feature called Cloud It is highlighted, enabling customers to securely store important travel documents, including passports, and access their statements.
Fraud Detection and Customer Communication: The article assures customers that fraud-detection systems are actively monitoring transactions. While there's no need to inform the bank about international travel, it is recommended to ensure updated contact details. In case of concerns regarding a transaction, the bank may reach out for verification through text messages.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview provides travelers with valuable insights into the costs associated with using debit cards abroad, exchange rates, transaction fees, and additional services to enhance their financial security and convenience during international travel.
